How to install a transducer on a Minn Kota Terrova, and head unit mounted on the bow!

[@mattwettig8023]

Great idea. I just bought a Terrova and Garmin 93SV. I was going to make a mount out of PVC to hold transducer. I like this idea better and I think I will try it first. Thanks a bunch for the video.

[@phillamoore157]

I’m fighting this now on a Terrova Riptide which I’ve been battling with since I got it…. Did you wind up wrapping the cord itself around the shaft? I know some guys were doing that same method but putting the cord inside plastic flexible tubing. I know I need to figure something out, it’s driving me nuts. I also shortened my shaft because the head was sticking up WAY too high. This model, while it’s the more affordable model with the better navigation features….it’s designed very poorly. I had to replace the collar lock that allows the unit to steer, which required a complete disassembly, which is a hell I wouldn’t wish on anyone, with how that motor is designed with the lift assist. But, I digress…I’m interested in knowing how that worked out for you.

[@MarkBlackstock]

I never went around the shaft I kept it of to the side but it had enough slack to spin without issue. The bad part is they were never designed with adding attachments in kind on the terrova or ulterra

[@jiml3922]

I know this thread is a year is old , but if you offset where you splice the 2 wires by an inch or 2 . Your heat shrunk sleeving will be easier and look better

[@barrycribb4181]

How did it work out with the cable? I’m having the same problem

[@MarkBlackstock]

It worked great never had an issue

[@barrycribb4181]

Did you wind it in the coil?

[@MarkBlackstock]

@@barrycribb4181 no it just followed the shift parallel it was flawless.

[@jonathanmiller7499]

I have the terrova i lpilot link us2- it comes with a built in transducer! What do i have to do to connect a 93sv uhd to use the terrovas transducer?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Buy an adapter by Minn kota. You will only get 2d sonar however

[@escodrew33]

I plan on adding a Garmin on to the bow and connecting it to the terrova. Would I be able to splice my heading sensor wires and garmin power wire off the factory harness? As in twist the power wire for the garmin to the factory wire then twist the heading sensor wire to same twisted wires then solder?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Yes I did that so they power up together

[@mudbender4469]

Quick question. I got a 60" shaft you think 6' cable has enough play or 7' be better. I'm guessing 7'? Thanks for the video

[@billye99]

I'm going to try this with mine but I noticed I have a flat metal piece of something that lays across my pin there at the top that may get on the way of the carabiner. I haven't messed around with it enough yet to see what that thin metal piece laying down on my pin.

[@MarkBlackstock]

I moved that clip actually, I used a different attach point using the pad lock I have on the removeable bracket for the trolling motor works flawlessly!

[@sebastiangavris1403]

Doesn't the bike lock with the loops pull your trolling motor out of the water due to tension pulling it back up? I love your idea and it seems easy and cheap. But I'm worried the bike lock pulling the trolling motor up due to tension. Look forward to your answer!

[@MarkBlackstock]

No pulling up of any kind

[@jmrose60]

Very helpful. Which transducer is that?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Gt54uhd

[@jmrose60]

@@MarkBlackstock Thanks man.

[@glenedwards3038]

Thanks for the vid mark im sure in the future I’ll need all the help I can get to make the terrova work

[@samoliveira6598]

That plastic piece at the end of the transducer cable is threaded on one end, you snap it on around the cable, insert the yellow gasket and screw it in after you make the connection. They did this to make it easier for routing the cable, smaller diameter, less hang ups and drilling smaller holes if need be.

[@kyledahn395]

To answer some of the peoples questions. I just bought a 12v Terrova with a 45' shaft and a Garmin 93SV fish finder and plotter combo. The combo came with a GT56UHD transducer that does not fit on the Terrova. The space between the weed guard and the prop is roughly 6.5 inches and the GT56UHD transducer is roughly 8.5 inches long. I called Garmin and they do not have a trade in program for their transducers like Hummingbird has. They informed me that the GT54UHD transducer is the same thing just a lower frequency( 800 hz instead of 100hz). I'am currently waiting on the GT54UHD to show up but the dimensions i got from Garmin says it will fit. Also I like the idea of the bike lock cable. Thanks for the video

[@BryantElliott-b9y]

How long is the coil cable

[@MarkBlackstock]

6'

[@allstaralex0776]

This work with livescope?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Yes

[@gaylastewart7817]

Thanks for the video! I have a Terrova & spot lock on my new Tahoe pontoon. Gonna give it a try this weekend at Dale Hollow. I have a Garmin in the dash so I wanted a small one on the front as all i really care about is temp & depth. Great idea! Thanks again 🎣

[@nickhartman8278]

Can you post a link to the cable you used? Or where did you buy it? Don’t want to get one too short.

[@MarkBlackstock]

I used a Kryptonite Lockdown Padlock & 12mm Cable Bicycle Lock Walmart

[@phillipshoes]

Thanks for your input. I have a Skeeter SX210 bay boat. I mounted a 94SV, GT 56 transducer on the trolling motor. Skeeter had a power cord ready to go at the bow but it runs with the trolling motor the same way yours does and I get total interference when the motor is going. Garmin warns about that. Why do you not get the interference?

[@MarkBlackstock]

I may have been lucky. It’s a non issue now as I have sold that set up.

[@bobbrinck3324]

Mark sorry to not make the drawing, partying with family and getting ready for traditional deer hunting thanksgiving mourning with the family, will definitely be at the next one!!!

[@chaguie07171959]

Excellent step by step video on what I need to do to install my bow mounted Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv on Minn Kota Terrova 55lbs thrust with a 54" shaft. Is the transducer that came with your unit the new GT56 transducer? The new GT56 may not fit because its larger. Please let me know. I am ready to pull the trigger and buy the 93sv but want to make sure the transducer fits underneath the TM. You had a thumb worth of wiggle room. Thank you.

[@MarkBlackstock]

Id say a half inch of play

[@douglas.eugenemorris2292]

Soldering works much better than wire butts less corrosion less bad connections.

[@mstng100mph]

Long time viewer first time commenting. Thanks for the install video. Replacing my powerdrive with a Terrova and adding my 73sv. Gonna follow your lead with the cable trick. Still have it set up as shown or have you made changes? Love the channel and the boat. I walleye fish mostly out of my Vision 1600 but have learned a lot of tricks from you. Thanks for the info and tight lines!

[@MarkBlackstock]

I did change where the cable attaches, I moved it from the retaining pin shown in the video to the lock on the minn kota mounting plate holding the terrova down top side. I will address it in my next video

[@MarkBlackstock]

I did move the attach point on the bow I’ll update in the next video tonight.

[@mstng100mph]

Awesome thank you!

[@thasanman2504]

How long was that security cable you used Sir ? 4ft or 7ft ? That’s the only size I can find.?

[@MarkBlackstock]

6’ 12mm kryptonite brand

[@veteran_bassin3068]

After several times out, how did that work out on trolling motor. Im thinking of buying a power drive and they have the same issue. Thanks in advance.

[@MarkBlackstock]

Zero issues works flawlessly.

[@danharris5873]

Why the hell didn't MinnKota design it differently so you could use your own transducer which has more options than just the 2D ridiculous for $2,000!

[@codycantrell2780]

Have you ever had a problem with the skegg blocking the transducer? I'm putting together a similar set up and it looks like the skegg is going to hang over part of the transducer.

[@MarkBlackstock]

No it sits right where there is no interference I thought that when I installed it but have had no issues in over a year with this setup.

[@codycantrell2780]

@@MarkBlackstock okay thanks!

[@ThoughtIwasFishin]

Do you get any interference with the transducer so close to the prop or near that fin on the back side? Thanks for posting the video, I have a Garmin that i need to mount on my Tracker. Are you happy with the mount?

[@MarkBlackstock]

I don’t get any interference and the panther mount is great

[@ThoughtIwasFishin]

@@MarkBlackstock Great, thank you!

[@coreygray5447]

Do you get any interference with transducer and the large plastic piece coming off the rolling motor head?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Occasionally when I’m in spot lock

[@gerardoguzman2435]

Dude, the terrova is designed to be wired thru the shaft and avoid all that crap hanging on the outside.

[@MarkBlackstock]

No it’s not but that’s ok.

[@scottscaneh]

Oppps cut the OEM fuse off there goes your warranty. And yes it happened to me.

[@MarkBlackstock]

At this price if it craps out in a year I’m ok

[@CombatCameraAirborne]

Did you end up wrapping the cable around the shaft?

[@MarkBlackstock]

No

[@MidwestOutlaw86]

But no way points communication?

[@MarkBlackstock]

It has waypoints and wifi and bluetooth

[@MidwestOutlaw86]

@@MarkBlackstock I mean the trolling motor being linked to the Garmin waypoints.

[@MarkBlackstock]

@@MidwestOutlaw86 Ah ok

[@dalewoodiel3572]

If you read the directions, you’d know what a ferrite bead is for and why it’s used even if you don’t have an avionic background. Also, the connector is not put on so for the transducer so you don’t have to drill a big hole when routing cable. I would recommend critically reading your installation manual. Also, side imaging will need to be swapped from left to right to right to left.

[@MarkBlackstock]

The ferrite beads are installed properly and my picture is flawless I’m confused about your post. If your reference is to my humor I understand

[@dalewoodiel3572]

There is a good reason why it’s a 3 amp installed for that unit and not a 5 amp. The 3 amp is there to protect the unit and is at a lower rated value than the wire is rated. The transducer you installed will require you to reverse the picture (left/right) on your 93 in the setup because it is set for the rear of the boat and on the TM, you must mount it like you 12:58 “ I find this fascinating, I don’t know why they put clip on connectors”. The reason is for smaller hole size when drilling through the bulkhead for the cable. That is why it is a clip on for the cable and same goes for CATIII cables. 13:24 “You said you never seen a ferrite bead and called a metal cereal deal that supposed to help with interference that I’ve never seen before”

[@MarkBlackstock]

@@dalewoodiel3572 Great advice

[@johnkaygrimmett]

great video ,the garmin transducer fits on the head nicely. Is that a 12 volt terrova or 24 volt

[@MarkBlackstock]

12v

[@vtseller]

I picked up the same graph. What an amazing looking unit. How do you like the Terrova? That's my next upgrade.

[@MarkBlackstock]

I couldn’t imagine not having the terrova at this point.

[@eastcoastbeachfishing]

Did you ever try to coil the bike lock around the shaft of the Terrova or do you still have it coiled like in the video?

[@MarkBlackstock]

It is still coiled like in the video however i moved the attach point to the lock on the removable motor mount, works perfect

[@stackedupfishing7139]

When in spot lock are you concerned that the motor rotating around is going to cause some trouble for all the wires? Deploying and stowing seems flawless.

[@MarkBlackstock]

No I haven’t had an issue with that.

[@katch24]

I recently watched the video and it’s the best idea I have seen. I recently bought a helix 7msi unit and would like to mount the transducer to the trolling motor but I also do a lot of spot lock just wanted to know if you need to keep a closer eye on it.

[@rayparr9197]

In your opinion, is it best to place the transducer at the trolling motor or at the rear of the boat?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Bow unit in trolling motor and helm unit at the stern.

[@bobp4145]

Great Video Mark. How long is the transducer you mounted to the terrova foot?

[@MarkBlackstock]

6"

[@outofbounds218]

Thanks for all the info Mark. Does the Garmin work with "Follow the Contour" mode with the Terrova? I have the I-Pilot but not the I-Link.

[@MarkBlackstock]

I don’t believe so, but I haven’t got into all the options yet.

[@outofbounds218]

@@MarkBlackstock thanks, just spoke to Hummingbird and the I link only has that benefit

[@trevorsjogren8625]

How long is the shaft on your motor? I have a 60” and the bike cable is 6ft. Will that be long enough?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Mines 45”, cable is 6’

[@trevorsjogren8625]

I ordered a 7’ cable so that should be good. Thank you for your video.

[@muskymadness927]

Is that a 4 or 5ft bike cable?

[@MarkBlackstock]

6

[@muskymadness927]

@@MarkBlackstock ok cool thanks

[@mdbassin9120]

So does the cable prevent the motor from wrapping around too many times and breaking the transducer wire? Is that the purpose?

[@MarkBlackstock]

pretty much

[@mdbassin9120]

@@MarkBlackstock thanks. I am going to try this. Any tips not included in the video? I am not sure if you would be able to wrap it around the shaft and still be able to fully stow it.

[@MarkBlackstock]

@@mdbassin9120 I did move the cord attach point of the cable to the lock I have on the removable mount for the terrova. Zero issue with stowing the motor.

[@matthewrodriguez3128]

Mark. Let’s do some crappie fishing !!!

[@MarkBlackstock]

Where and when?

[@esescott]

What cable are you using to loop tranducer cable in?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Shoot did I not mention it in the video?

[@Mandob11]

Any issues yet with the set up while using spot lock?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Zero Issues

[@coryhennessey5267]

Awesome video. Super helpful. It's been 5 months now. Any issues? Did you end up putting the bike lock around the trolling motor shaft or keep it the way it was in video? Do you still like the panther mount? Would love a follow up as I'm getting ready to do same thing this weekend.

[@MarkBlackstock]

It works flawlessly and I did not wrap it around the shaft. I did change my attach point. I can update that in a short video I’ll do that tonight.

[@andrewj8288]

@@MarkBlackstock i want to try and do this as well for my trolling motor setup, did you end up making a follow up video like you said? I would like to see the changes you made if they were better than the original. thanks

[@andrewj8288]

also, how many inches is your trolling motor and the length of the cable you used ?

[@gfour20]

Looks good. Which model of panther mount did you use?

[@MarkBlackstock]

Panther flat deck mount

[@T_J_Fishin]

Another great video Mark thanks

[@Jay-mv5th]

I might have to try that. Let us know how it goes after a few trips.

[@MarkBlackstock]

It works great after 2 trips out I will keep you posted

[@chrismanderfield3022]

Thanks for the video! I just picked up two of the same Garmin units, one for the console and one for the bow. When I went to the Tracker dealer they wouldn't install the transducer on the trolling motor because they said the wire would break while using the trolling motor. I now have hope that I can get the transducer installed at the bow.

[@MarkBlackstock]

So far so good. I have had zero issues with this setup.

[@eddygoldman8811]

@@MarkBlackstock Thanks for your help, I am doing the same thing, which motor thrust do you have. Mine is the 55 lb thrust 45 in shaft motor. I read some transducers won’t fit anything below 80 lb thrust units.

[@MarkBlackstock]

@@eddygoldman8811 I have the same unit as yours

[@0590don]

what thickness and length was the cable

[@MarkBlackstock]

1/2” 6’ long

[@grodfishing3673]

Bad ass bud

[@mr.mitchmichaels6573]

Looks like a really good set up.

[@smittysquires1254]

Comment

[@kwaks1979]

I’m looking for the adapter to go from the terrova to the lowrance elite 9ti. Any help out there??

[@MarkBlackstock]

MKR-US2-16 You will only get sonar feature and you will not be able to control the trolling motor with the Lowrance

[@kwaks1979]

@@MarkBlackstock thank you for the info. Please disregard the comment on the ti video I just posted.

[@kwaks1979]

@@MarkBlackstock the ti is actually a 5 pin, the ti2 is a 9 pin. Any help regarding the differences?

[@MarkBlackstock]

@@kwaks1979 www.minnkotamotors.com/learn/technology/trolling-motors/universal-sonar-2#Lowrance

[@MarkBlackstock]

This is where i got that part number for the Ti series

[@jayneblackstock7787]

Very impressive!

[@dillonboyette6177]

Time for a review! And compare brands

[@MarkBlackstock]

Did you get your rod ?

[@dillonboyette6177]

@@MarkBlackstock I have not, but I think shipping is all messed up this way. I was supposed to have some baits delivered on Monday too and they’re still a no show.

[@DoubleTFishing]

Hey mark great video! I used a rod sock wrapped around the shaft that is pretty clean. I basically have the same boat and set up with the Terrova and Garmin SV93.

[@MarkBlackstock]

I changed up the attach point for the clip top side, instead of attaching to the bar shown in the video I moved it to the lock I have on the removable minn kota mount.

[@DoubleTFishing]

@@MarkBlackstock That would definitely work. I’m Gelous watching you fish on Instagram while I’m stuck behind a desk lol

[@MarkBlackstock]

@@DoubleTFishing Its getting cold here time on the lake is less right now for sure. Big Trout Tournament in two weeks though should be freezing out.